Throwback Thursday: Why We Miss STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP

As Wes Mendel (Judd Hirsch) began to give his monologue in the first couple of minutes of the pilot I knew who wrote this episode. The second the monologue began to weigh heavy on the main things wrong with the television industry I began to fall in love. I fell in love with everything about that opening monologue; it was so raw and so real. It hooked me so intensely I didn’t think I would be able to look away. Just as the monologue finished and the title sequence began I quickly paused the show and feverishly typed into IMDb who created STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP, I was not surprised even a little when I read that Aaron Sorkin created the show.

The writing was fantastic and the characters were so well thought out and the actors portraying them were so perfect for their roles. As always Matthew Perry was fantastic as Matt Albie, the aggressive and passionate head writer. He was the heart and soul of that show and deserved a lot more recognition and praise for it than he received. Also, can we talk about the powerhouse that was Sarah Paulson on that show? Yes? Okay good! Seriously, she was amazing as the devoted Christian star. Harriet and Matt had so much sexual tension. They were perfect for each other, and at the same time were the worst couple of all time. They were hilarious to watch and so mesmerizing.

Another favorite duo of mine on the show was Danny (Bradley Whitford) and Jordan (Amanda Peet). Danny and Jordan’s chemistry was unmatchable and so great to watch unfold. During the finale when he finally sees the baby and she says the baby’s last name is Tripp I just about died.

There are so many shows that have been canceled way before their time (HAPPY ENDINGS, VERONICA MARS, and ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT) but STUDIO 60 had so much potential. I hate that it had to end after just one season. As much as I love NBC that show truly didn’t belong on that network. That’s the main reason I think it was canceled. STUDIO 60 belonged on HBO and should have been a bit more explicit with it’s content. (Almost like a comedic/ melodramatic NEWSROOM) Another mistake the network made with that show was premiering it at the same time 30 ROCK premiered. I loved 30 ROCK and I think it was one of the best shows to ever be on television but it was almost the same premise. Both shows focused around an SNL type of show, one was more comedic based while the other was heavy on intense storylines and character drama. I think the show could’ve still been on the air today if it was on another network or at least released at a different time. It was brilliant and ahead of its time. Fingers crossed Netflix wants to bring back the cast for a second season, ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT style!

Victoria Nelli loves TV so much that she is paying $30,000 a year to learn about it in College. When she’s not learning about TV she enjoys writing about her favorite shows, interviewing anyone in the industry that will let her, and ranting about how underrated Parks and Recreation is. She is very much aware of her Netflix addiction, and no she will not be seeking help anytime soon. You can follow her on Twitter @VictoriaNelli

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About Victoria Nelli

Victoria Nelli loves TV so much that she is paying $30,000 a year to learn about it in College. When she’s not learning about TV she enjoys writing about her favorite shows, interviewing anyone in the industry that will let her, and ranting about how underrated Parks and Recreation is. She is very much aware of her Netflix addiction, and no she will not be seeking help anytime soon. You can follow her on Twitter @VictoriaNelli